Ep 97 Cruising with Celiac Disease
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
I have recently returned from a very enjoyable cruise with extended family members. Cruising with celiac disease is often approached cautiously, but with the right preparation, can be safe, relaxing and exciting. This week I chat with Nick Medeiros, a fellow celiac and travel agent from California who has set up a Facebook page “Cruising with Celiac”. This group fields questions and actively discusses different cruise ships and cruise lines and their suitability for someone on a strict gluten free diet. Nick and I discuss many of the dining options on different ships, what you should know, before you book and what questions you should ask. You can find the Facebook group at –
https://business.facebook.com/groups/288031834953238/?ref=nf_target&fref=nf
You can reach Nick at NJM Travel at (925) 699-6103.
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast
Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
(search Sues Gluten Free Baking)
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
I have been fortunate to have cruised many times. Years ago I worked as a travel agent, which afforded me opportunities to try different cruise lines. That was before my diagnosis, so my food extravaganzas onboard were unrestricted. Things are different now.
What I can say is that the cruise lines, for the most part, get it. They have taken the time to understand the gluten free diet and train their staff. Never did I get a strange look when I asked for gluten free. As well, the answers were definitive – yes to the chicken fajita meat – no to the beef – yes to all the salad dressings – no to the stuffed baked potatoes. There were none of the sideways looks, or under the breath questions. All the staff were well trained in gluten free.
That doesn’t mean there were a lot of choices for me. But there was more variety than I was used to at most restaurants. I never went hungry and always enjoyed my meals. I often landed at the late-night buffet to find I could only eat a fruit plate, cheese plate or I could make up some nachos. It was usually nachos. One night, when corn chips were missing from the buffet, it was only a quick chat with the maitre d’ to get my safe chips.
I do love desserts and there were always desserts I could have. Between, flourless chocolate cakes, mousses, meringues, crème brulee and ice cream, I was well served.
What impresses me most about cruising and eating gluten free is the effort put forth to make me happy and feed we properly. I was never told “no”. The emphasis was on providing me with the appropriate food as best they could prepare it – making sure it was gluten free. Sometimes that took one of the chefs off their station to go back in the kitchen and get me something special. I was never discouraged from asking for something.
Some effort is required to research the cruise line and ship, as well as ask the correct questions and make your requirements known. As always stay vigilant and ask anything whenever you feel the need. For me cruising is not only enjoyable, but a safe place to be celiac – and I don’t have to cook, bake or washup!